Alternative Names

Causes

Passing through the birth canal (birth-acquired herpes, the most common method of infection)

Right after birth (postpartum) from being kissed or having other contact with someone who has herpes mouth sores

If the mother has an active outbreak of genital herpes at the time of delivery, the baby is more likely to become infected during birth. Some mothers may not know they have herpes sores inside the vagina.

Some women have had herpes infections in the past, but are not aware of it, and may pass the virus to their baby.

Herpes type 2 (genital herpes) is the most common cause of herpes infection in newborn babies. But herpes type 1 (oral herpes) can also occur.

Symptoms

Herpes may only appear as a skin infection. Small, fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) may appear. These blisters break, crust over, and finally heal. A mild scar may remain.

Herpes infection may also spread throughout the body. This is called disseminated herpes. In this type, the herpes virus can affect many parts of the body.

Herpes infection in the brain is called herpes encephalitis

The liver, lungs, and kidneys may also be involved

There may or may not be blisters on the skin

Newborn infants with herpes that has spread to the brain or other parts of the body are often very sick. Symptoms include:

Skin sores, fluid-filled blisters

Bleeding easily

Breathing difficulties such as rapid breathing and short periods without breathing, which can lead to nostril flaring, grunting, or blue appearance

Prevention

People with cold sores (herpes labialis) should not come in contact with newborn infants. To prevent transmitting the virus, caregivers who have a cold sore should wear a mask and wash their hands carefully before coming in contact with an infant.

Mothers should speak to their providers about the best way to minimize the risk of transmitting herpes to their infant.